While full of therapeutic minerals, the water is toxic to ingest. That didn't stop 28 swimmers from swimming nine miles (14.5 kilometres) across it, from Jordan to Israel, in the first-ever Dead Sea Swim.
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Swimming in the Dead Sea is an amazing and healthy experience, but there are some things you should know for your own safety: – Do not drink the water: a few gulps of it could cause irreversible damage or even kill you. – Don't get water into your eyes as it will burn.
While it may be one of the saltiest bodies of water in the world, it's also one of the most nutrient-dense. Thanks to the unique climate and conditions that formed this rare inland sea, it contains a high-concentration of minerals, such as magnesium, bromide, calcium and potassium.
Don't stay in the Dead Sea longer than 10-15 minutes. The salt water irritates your skin, and after 15 minutes it can start to sting. Remember that the Dead Sea is about 10 times saltier than typical oceans and seas. On that note – Don't splash!
Fact: You can – and you should. Pads might not be the best option, since they'll absorb water till they're soaked, and could get weighed down or fall out. Plus, they might be visible through your bathing suit. On the other hand, tampons are convenient and safe to use in water.
It can get pretty hot on both the Jordan and Israel side of the sea, and the water's high salt content can dehydrate you quickly. Bring a few bottles of water with you and stay hydrated.
Don't Splash or DiveThe water is so salty that literally nothing can survive in it. That's why it's called the Dead Sea. So you want to be sure to avoid the water getting in your eyes or nose at all costs.
You can't walk on the water of the Dead Sea. The water is rich in salt and minerals, so it has a silky, thick consistency that will keep you afloat if you're swimming. But the buoyancy is not enough to walk on. You can, however, walk on large slabs of solid salt that form in the water, and along the shore.
Entering the Dead Sea:Be extremely careful not to get the water in your eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. If you do, have a friend lead you to the fresh water showers commonplace at public beaches. Do not put your head underwater; floating on your back is preferable in order to avoid this.
Whilst boats can easily float in the Dead Sea like a human body, the water's buoyancy makes it impossible for boats to effectively move through the lake.
The public beaches have public bathrooms and changing rooms, and showers on the beach. You won't stay in the Dead Sea for long – it's not for swimming since you float upon entry. Rather, the whole idea is a few minutes of floating, and benefiting from the healing properties of its salt and other minerals.
That didn't stop 28 swimmers from swimming nine miles (14.5 kilometres) across it, from Jordan to Israel, in the first-ever Dead Sea Swim. Sponsored by EcoPeace Middle East, the event sought to raise awareness of its receding waters due to Israeli and Jordanian mining.
Go swimming in designated areas onlyThe reason you should swim in a designated area is so that there are life guards on duty. On the plus side, there are no sharks or other nasties to worry about. Nothing lives in the Dead Sea except for small micro organisms.
Scientists believe that the Dead Sea will never disappear entirely, but 2050 will be the tipping point when the Dead Sea will be so salty that the salt will block water from evaporating, leaving a small pool of slimy sludge.